The city’s only alcohol-free bar closes 7 months after grand opening

A unique Columbus bar concept has called it quits.

The Dry Mill, the city’s only alcohol-free bar, has closed, just seven months after holding its grand opening on April 30.

“The last few months sales have declined and we cannot continue to operate the business based on the current levels of customers we are reviving,” a statement posted to The Dry Mill’s social media pages reads. 

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

The bar, located at 79 S. 4th St. Downtown, served as a social hub for those who choose not to indulge in alcohol, offering everything from karaoke nights to sober speed-dating. It also served a variety of sandwiches and other food items.

Owners Dave Payne and Collin Thomas first launched a fundraising campaign for the bar in June of 2021, before opening this spring. You can read 614Now’s original coverage of the concept here.

While the current iteration of the Dry Mill has shuttered, the sober bar’s statement on the closing hinted at a possible return sometime in the future.

“We hope one day The Dry Mill can return and we can open our doors again. We will always be available to help others and encourage you to reach out to us. We thank you all again for your support,” the statement reads.

Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new November issue here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY